Zubiri

Day 2 - Roncesvalles to Zubiri (22 km).

Today was a relatively easy hike through quiet woodland trails and beautiful countryside. My Saloman trail runners were still soaking wet from the trek over the pass so I used my trusty Asics running shoes. Before setting out, I made a quick visit to center myself and say a few prayers. The quiet solitude often sweeps over me when I am by myself in these old churches as I think of all the sinners and saints who came before me and are now long gone, and of the many who will come after me.

Shortly after the trail leaves Roncesvalles, it enters the Sorginaritaga forest, which means "oak wood of witches." It was here where the townspeople in the 16th century let their imaginations get away from them and decided witches were gathering in the woods to hold their covens and exercise their evil powers. This led to the burning of at least nine innocent people at the stake. You do get an eerie feeling as you walk through these woods and think about what happened here and why.

Around 4 o'clock, I crossed over the Puente de la Rabia, the medieval bridge over the Rio Arga, and arrived in Zubiri. After checking into the Hosteria de Zubiri, I ducked into the unassuming little church down the road for a few moments of thanksgiving.